Michigan Basketball announced today that point guard Spike Albrecht will retire from the team following injury setbacks.
The senior point guard had surgery on both of his hips in the offseason and has not been able to regain his pre-injury form.
Albrecht released the following statement, via Michigan Athletics:
"This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make," said Albrecht. "After taking a hard look at what is best for me, and this team, I will be stepping away from the game that has meant so much to me.
"I am so thankful for what Coach Beilein, the assistants and the medical staff have done for me during my career and in particular over the last year while I was dealing with this injury. I just have a little more to go and I really need to take the proper time to finish my rehab.
"The University of Michigan has provided me and my family so much, I don't really even have the words to express my gratitude. This place is truly special and I hope I was able to leave just a little bit of a mark during my career. I cannot thank Wolverine nation enough for all the love and support they have shown me throughout my four years here. Forever and always -- Go Blue!"
Albrecht was averaging 1.9 points and 1.4 assists in eight games played for the Wolverines this season.
He averaged 32 minutes per game in 2014-15 in an increased role with starting point guard Derrick Walton sustaining a season-ending injury. Albrecht averaged 7.5 points and 3.9 assists, along with shooting 91 percent from the free throw line.
Albrecht's career defining moment at Michigan came in the NCAA Tournament final in 2013 vs. Louisville, where he was forced into extended minutes with Trey Burke on the bench in foul trouble in the first half. He would score 17 points in that game as a true freshman.
We will have more on this story as it develops.